The Relation of Hepcidin to Iron Disorders,Inflammation and Hemoglobin in Chronic Kidney Disease

The metabolism of hepcidin is profoundly modified in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated its relation to iron disorders, inflammation and hemoglobin (Hb) level in 199 non-dialyzed, non-transplanted patients with CKD stages 1–5. All had their glomerular filtration rate measured by ⁵¹Cr-EDTA renal clearance (mGFR), as well as measurements of iron markers including hepcidin and of erythropoietin (EPO). Hepcidin varied from 0.2 to 193 ng/mL. The median increased from 23.3 ng/mL [8.8–28.7] to 36.1 ng/mL [14.1–92.3] when mGFR decreased from ≥60 to <15 mL/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.02). Patients with absolute iron deficiency (transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20% and ferritin <40 ng/mL) had the lowest hepcidin levels (5.0 ng/mL [0.7–11.7]), and those with a normal iron profile (TSAT ≥20% and ferritin ≥40), the highest (34.5 ng/mL [23.7–51.6]). In multivariate analysis, absolute iron deficiency was associated with lower hepcidin values, and inflammation combined with a normal or functional iron profile with higher values, independent of other determinants of hepcidin concentration, including EPO, mGFR, and albuminemia. The hepcidin level, although it rose overall when mGFR declined, collapsed in patients with absolute iron deficiency. There was a significant interaction with iron status in the association between Hb and hepcidin. Except in absolute iron deficiency, hepcidin’s negative association with Hb level indicates that it is not down-regulated in CKD anemia.     

Tuberculosis Treatment in HIV Infected Ugandans with CD4 Counts >350 Cells/mm3 Reduces Immune Activation with No Effect on HIV Load or CD4 Count

Background

Both HIV and TB cause a state of heightened immune activation. Immune activation in HIV is associated with progression to AIDS. Prior studies, focusing on persons with advanced HIV, have shown no decline in markers of cellular activation in response to TB therapy alone.

Methodology

This prospective cohort study, composed of participants within a larger phase 3 open-label randomized controlled clinical trial, measured the impact of TB treatment on immune activation in persons with non-advanced HIV infection (CD4>350 cells/mm³) and pulmonary TB. HIV load, CD4 count, and markers of immune activation (CD38 and HLA-DR on CD4 and CD8 T cells) were measured prior to starting, during, and for 6 months after completion of standard 6 month anti-tuberculosis (TB) therapy in 38 HIV infected Ugandans with smear and culture confirmed pulmonary TB.

Results

Expression of CD38, and co-expression of CD38 and HLA-DR, on CD8 cells declined significantly within 3 months of starting standard TB therapy in the absence of anti-retroviral therapy, and remained suppressed for 6 months after completion of therapy. In contrast, HIV load and CD4 count remained unchanged throughout the study period.

Conclusion

TB therapy leads to measurable decreases in immune activation in persons with HIV/TB co-infection and CD4 counts >350 cells/mm³.     

囊萼紫草属与滇紫草属花粉形态比较研究

本文借助光学显微镜和扫描电镜研究了囊萼紫草属3种和滇紫草属12种植物的花粉形态。囊萼紫草属的花粉为哑铃形或茧形,中等大小,P／E比为1．6一1．67,三孔沟,内孔横长;具小刺状纹饰。滇紫草属的花粉为近长球形或近卵球形,P／E为l—1．23;三孔沟或三合沟孔,内孔一般纵长,具皱波状纹饰,在皱波上具密集的小瘤或微颗粒。从花粉形态的角度,本文支持把囊萼紫草属从滇紫草属(广义)中分离出来的观点。值得注意的是,在滇紫草属的花粉中首次观察到了一种比较少见且特化的花粉即单极三合沟孔的花粉。     

Involvement of the Adhesion GPCRs Latrophilins in the Regulation of Insulin Release

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FcγRIIIa expression on monocytes in rheumatoid arthritis: role in immune-complex stimulated TNF production and non-response to methotrexate therapy

Objective

The expression of FcγRIIIa/CD16 may render monocytes targets for activation by IgG-containing immune complexes (IC). We investigated whether FcγRIIIa/CD16 was upregulated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), associated with TNF production in response to IC-stimulation, and if this predicted response to methotrexate therapy.

Methods

FcγRIIIa/CD16 expression on CD14^low and CD14⁺⁺ monocytes was measured by flow cytometry in healthy controls and RA patients (early and long-standing disease). Intracellular TNF-staining was carried out after in vitro LPS or heat-aggregated immunoglobulin (HAG) activation. FcγRIIIa/CD16 expression pre- and post-steroid/methotrexate treatment was examined.

Results

Increased FcγRIIIa/CD16 expression on CD14⁺⁺ monocytes in long-standing RA patients compared to controls was demonstrated (p = 0.002) with intermediate levels in early-RA patients. HAG-induced TNF-production in RA patients was correlated with the percentage of CD14⁺⁺ monocytes expressing FcγRIIIa/CD16 (p<0.001). The percentage of CD14⁺⁺ monocytes expressing FcγRIIIa/CD16 at baseline in early DMARD-naïve RA patients was negatively correlated with DAS28-ESR improvement 14-weeks post-methotrexate therapy (p = 0.003) and was significantly increased in EULAR non-responders compared to moderate (p = 0.01) or good responders (p = 0.003). FcγRIIIa/CD16 expression was not correlated with age, presence of systemic inflammation or autoantibody titers.

Conclusion

Increased FcγRIIIa/CD16 expression on CD14⁺⁺ monocytes in RA may result in a cell that has increased responsiveness to IC-stimulation. This monocyte subset may contribute to non-response to methotrexate therapy.     

寡毛实蝇属三新种：（双翅目：实蝇科）

本文记述的3新种,即广西实蝇Dacus(Zeugodacus)guangxianus、近黑颜实蝇D.(Zeugodacus)parater和那大实蝇D.(Asiadacus)nadanus,是1982-1985年在南方各地果园中用诱蝇酮(cue-lure)诱获的,寄主不明。所有模式标本均存放于北京农业部植物检疫实验所。在此谨向提供标本的同志致谢。     

The angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor and receptor-associated proteins

INTRODUCTIONThe renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is consid-ered to be the major regulator of blood pressure)electrolyte balance and renal, neuronal as well as en-docrine functions related to cardiovascular control.The RAS is the key factor in most cases essential hy-pertension, as indicated by successes in treatment ofhypertensive patients with various angiotensin I con-verting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and receptor block-ers. Renin was a central subject of intense investigation because of…     

High IFN－α expression is associated with the induction of experimental autoimmune uveitis （EAU） in Fischer 344 rat

INTRODUCTIONThe CD4 T cells can be subdivided intoTh1 and Th2 subsets based on their secreted cy-tokine profile. Th1 cells characteristical1y secreteInterferonry (IFN--ry), whereas Th2 cells maiuly pro--duce IL--4[1]. IL-12 po1arizes the differentiation ofnaitre, CD4 T cells towards Th1 pathWay, in con-trast IL--4 directs T cell differentiation towards Th2pathWay The broken balance between Th1 and Th2immune responses and predominant Th1 responseare crucial factors in initiation…     

基因定点整合技术及其在苔藓研究中的进展

基因定点整合技术是20世纪80年代后兴起的一种分子生物学技术,在精细研究基因功能,消除转基因沉默,基因治疗等有重要意义。基因定点整合技术是功能基因组学研究的重要手段。目前关于基因定点整合技术在酵母和鼠胚胎干细胞中的应用已经很成熟,高等植物由于同源重组频率较低而限制了它的应用,但小立碗藓(Physcomitrella patens)基因同源重组频率较高,基因定点整合技术得到了成功应用,可望成为一种新的分子生物学的模式植物。本文针对基因定点整合的原理、技术路线及进展作一综述。